Across America from NY State to Monterey, California in late Spring

[sunsettraveller]

Hello fellow travelers! Would like to know the most direct route, Albany, NY to San Francisco, (after I go west on 90 East (NY Thruway)about 7 days travel time time frame to SF.)Wish to go through Denver; any weather problems re trip through Rockies then? Also, would like to go over Independence pass for the experience..any thoughts? and looking for best route from Denver to Aspen and into Snowmass, heading for John Denver's sanctuary and Conservency. Thanks!!

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

The most direct route from NY to SF is, as you noted, just I-80 all the way. The most direct way that includes all your Colorado detours is as follows. Take the I-76 cut-off near Julesburg, CO and into Denver where you'll pick up I-70. Just past Frisco, CO take CO-91 south to Leadville and US-24 and then CO-82 over Independence Pass into Aspen. Independence Pass only climbs from 7800 feet above sea level to just under 12100 at its summit and so is easily climbable in a standard car. It is kept open (plowed) year round, but is subject to closure in the event of a snowstorm - a very real possibility in May. You'll just have to keep your eye on the weather as the time for crossing the mountains approaches. After Aspen, CO-82 will continue westward through Snowmass and reconnect with I-70. At Green River, UT, US-6 provides a way back to I-80 at Salt Lake City.

AZBuck

[sunsettraveller]

If you don't go over Inedependence Pass in Colorado, what is the most direct route from 80 West to Denver, then into Aspen and into Snowmass?(Coming from the East Coast, May 2008)

[Mark Sedenquist]

If you don't go over Inedependence Pass in Colorado, what is the most direct route from 80 West to Denver,

The same advice as above:

Take the I-76 cut-off near Julesburg, CO and into Denver where you'll pick up I-70.

When you reach Glenwood Springs, (exit 116) turn south on CO-82 and follow that to Aspen. It is four-lane highway all the way to Aspen.

Mark

[sunsettraveller]

Re Albany, NY to Denver, based on 300 miles per day(maybe more) what is rough time frame, how far is Aspen from Denver, AND how much travel time should I allow from Denver to San Franciso. Pretty much movin' right along is my plan, not many side trips except to spend a day and maybe 1 night in Aspen. Thanks.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Re Albany, NY to Denver, based on 300 miles per day(maybe more) what is rough time frame

Why are you planning on traveling only 300 miles per day? (about five hours on the road per day). We generally recommend 500 miles per day or 8-9 hours on the road when traveling across the country. It is about 1800 miles (by the most direct route) from Albany to Denver -- at 300 miles per day, it will take you six days.

how far is Aspen from Denver

You can look up these distances yourself, if you wish. Google Maps is the easiest in my view, here is a link to the first part of the journey. But Denver to Aspen via Glenwood Springs is ~198 miles and depending upon weather conditions, the trip could be done in as soon as 3.0 hours, but more likely closer to 5 hours.

AND how much travel time should I allow from Denver to San Franciso.

Aspen to San Francisco is 1145 miles. So, I would allow four days if you want to stick to 300 miles per day or 2-3 days if you go faster.

Mark

[sunsettraveller]

I assume roads, barring heavy snow or unpredicted blizzards, are pretty well mainted between Denver and Aspen,, and Aspen to Snowmass? I know snow can lay on higher peaks quite late, was wondering about lower areas in early May?

[Mark Sedenquist]

I know snow can lay on higher peaks quite late, was wondering about lower areas in early May?

Spring weather reaches Colorado valleys about the same time as the rest of the state -- April and May.
For the period of May 1 to May 15th over the last decade in Aspen, Colorado:
The Average High Temperature is 60 F with a historical range of 35 F to 75 F
The Average Low Temperature is 32 F with a historical range of 17 F to 48 F

Mark

[sunsettraveller]

Leaving from Albany, NY May 30, heading for Pacific Grove, Ca. I plan 350 miles per day average, but can't figure out how to determine where I will be at the end of each day, approximately, RE a hotel room... And also, wondering if Salinas is a safe area at all for housing? THANKS MUCH!! (route will be I-90 West to 80....)

Could someone please tell me if they are familiar with a hotel in Aspen, such as a Comfort Inn or Holiday Inn..looking for chain hotel there in May for a night any of the chains will do. Thanks.

[Midwest Michael]

Any number of the online mapping programs will give you accurate distances. Personally, I like Google Maps, using the "stop here" feature.

I'm certain there are many many chain hotels in the aspen area, but I think using any one of the many travel reservation sites - like expedia, travelocity, etc - would be the best way to see all of your options.